Bizzeth SR, Beagan BL. "Ah, it's best not to mention that here:" Experiences of LGBTQ+ health professionals in (heteronormative) workplaces in Canada.
FRONTIERS IN SOCIOLOGY 2023;
8:1138628. [PMID:
37077771 PMCID:
PMC10106582 DOI:
10.3389/fsoc.2023.1138628]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Introduction
Despite human rights protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people, LGBTQ+ professionals may continue to experience discrimination working in heteronormative systems and spaces.
Methods
In this qualitative study 13 health professionals (nurses, occupational therapists, and physicians) from across Canada participated in in-depth qualitative interviews to explore their experiences with work-related microaggressions and heteronormativity.
Results
Heterosexist microaggressions from both patients/clients and colleagues were the norm, perpetuating and bolstered by heteronormative workplace and professional cultures. In turn, LGBTQ+ professionals navigated disclosure-decision-making, in power-laden contexts where all options carried potential negative consequences.
Discussion
Drawing on the notion of "heteroprofessionalism," we argue that the concept of professional carries encoded within it demands that the occupant of that category be-or present as-heterosexual, an unmarked status that can be readily desexualized. Acknowledging sex and sexuality disrupts "professionalism." We argue that such disruption, indeed dissention, is necessary to open (hetero)professional spaces to LGBTQ+ workers.
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